Broccoli could prevent bladder cancer

Men who eat broccoli regularly may be protecting themselves against bladder cancer.

According to researchers from the Harvard and Ohio State universities, men who eat less than a serving of broccoli a week have more than double the risk of contracting bladder cancer than those eating two or more half-cup servings a week.

Isolated compounds of broccoli were found to morph into isothiocyanates when it is chopped, chewed and digested. These "nutritional powerhouses" are believed to inhibit the development of bladder cancer.

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The broccoli had the most profound effect on the most aggressive form of the cancer, human invasive transitional cell carcinoma.

Young broccoli sprouts have the highest concentrations of these phytochemicals, but broccoli in any form was found to have the desired effect.

Study co-author Steven Schwartz said that their studies continue.

Were starting to look at which compounds in broccoli could inhibit or decrease the growth of cancerous cells, he said.

Knowing that could help us create functional foods that benefit health beyond providing just basic nutrition.

The researchers believe other members of the broccoli family, like cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale may have the same effect on pre-cancerous cells.

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